INTERCULTURAL COMMUNICATION: A PRAGMATIC COMPARISON OF UZBEK AND BRITISH BUSINESS DISCOURSE

Аннотация

This article investigates the pragmatic dimensions of intercultural communication in business contexts, comparing Uzbek and British discourse practices. It examines how cultural values shape speech acts, politeness strategies, and nonverbal communication in professional settings. The collectivist and hierarchical nature of Uzbek business communication contrasts with the individualistic and egalitarian norms of British discourse. Drawing on insights from Uzbek scholars like U. Kh. Khamidov and N. M. Makhmudova, as well as foreign scholars such as S. C. Levinson and P. Brown, and providing numerous examples, this study underscores the importance of cultural competence in cross-cultural business interactions. Keywords: pragmatics, intercultural communication, Uzbek business culture, British business culture, politeness strategies, speech acts, nonverbal communication, cross-cultural competence.